ISLAMABAD, 26 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and explore new avenues for investment and long-term energy partnerships. During the meeting, the minister briefed the US diplomat on Pakistan’s measures to ensure energy security amid the evolving geopolitical situation, highlighting that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had created challenges for fuel availability and necessitated proactive steps to maintain uninterrupted supplies. Natalie A. Baker congratulated Pakistan on effectively managing the fuel supply situation, noting that the country had avoided a fuel shortage despite challenging regional circumstances. Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to meeting its energy needs and highlighted ongoing engagement between the teams of both countries to identify opportunities for cooperation. He said Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme could offer promising investment opportunities for US financial institutions. The US Chargé d’Affaires expressed Washington’s desire to work closely with Pakistan to address its energy requirements, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for American companies in Pakistan. She also expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts, saying such arrangements would be mutually beneficial and create opportunities for US businesses. During the meeting, the managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) briefed participants on the interest shown by US companies in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan. The petroleum minister also invited US companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), highlighting the investment potential available in the country. He expressed appreciation for US support and emphasized that enhanced bilateral engagement would strengthen energy cooperation and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy security.